Trail 2

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking is accessed at any of the intersecting trails or at the Visitor Center.

This trail drops off from the 1, 2, 3 access point into the bottoms of the canyon, crosses Clifty Creek multiple times, and takes you to the base of Clifty Falls. The trail is often a mess of branches and trees as well as soft sand that will suck your shoes right off in spots.

The majority of the trail is spent navigating the rocky creek-bed of Clifty Creek. If you decide to hike through the water, the trail is not particularly challenging. However, if you are trying to stay dry, the trail can be tricky because you have to cross the river numerous times. Due to the difficult terrain, it is tough to quickly complete this trail. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

While there are no massive climbs (except the beginning and back out), I would still not recommend this trail for anyone who isn't sure of foot or has small kids (the beginning is pretty easy for young ones, but as time goes on, it becomes more and more difficult to make your way). The payoff is standing at the bottom of Clifty Falls.

Due to the steep cliffs and restrictions against climbing, you need to double back to the beginning or take the Trail 8, 5, or 4 intersections to exit. There is no exit at the northernmost point of this trail.

Salamanders, frogs, turtles, crayfish, birds of all sorts, the occasional raccoon print can be seen, as well as the ever present squirrels! Grasses and reeds are at the bottoms, as well as several beautiful species of wildflowers along the ridges on both sides.